Apparel magazine and [TC]2, the Textile/Clothing Technology Corp., will host Tech Conference 2003 on Nov. 13 at [TC]2's research facility in Raleigh, NC.

The day-long event will feature up to 20 free educational sessions on a variety of technology issues in five core topic areas: design and product development; manufacturing technology; information technology; sourcing, logistics and transportation; and retailing.

Tabletop technology displays from leading apparel industry vendors also will be part of the conference. Immediately following the Tech Conference, Apparel will host its annual All-Star Awards Dinner, honoring the achievements of 10 outstanding apparel firms. A portion of the proceeds from the events will benefit the industry initiatives of [TC]2.

"The 2002 Tech Conference and All-Star Dinner was a huge success, attracting some 125 participants," said Apparel's publisher Susan Black. "To us, that validated the industry's real need for ongoing technology education, in areas ranging from CAD to PDM to e-commerce."

Six leading industry associations will be participating sponsors in the Apparel All-Star Awards program. They include the California Fashion Association (CFA); the International Textile & Apparel Association (ITAA); SEAMS; the Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA); SGMA International; and [TC]2.

Each of the associations, along with Apparel, will select its own All-Star(s). Criteria for the awards are: innovation in technology; a strong track record of growth; excellence in management; and corporate goodwill that reflects positively on the industry.